Nov 16, 2007
Hack Attack : Use Your ZUNE 2 as a Flash Drive
Its been a only few days since Microsoft released Zune 2, the portable music player that everyone hates. I really liked the hype that Microsoft built up for Zune 2 and believe me it does look like a solid Music Player and manages to beat its chief Rival Apple iPod in a quite a few places.
Leave all that apart, I am now going to tell you how you can use your Zune as just another flash drive using the USB port. Please note that this is a registry hack, so make sure you backup your registry before proceeding..
- Make sure your Zune is not plugged in and your Zune software isn’t running
- Open up Regedit by going to the start menu and selecting “run”. Type regedt32 and hit “OK”
- Browse to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\ControlSet002\Enum\USB\
- Search for “PortableDeviceNameSpace”. This should be contained in the Vid_####&Pid_####\########_-_########_-_########_-_########\Device Parameters within the above …\USB\ The ##’s listed here will be numbers and letters specific to your Zune.
- Change the following values:
- EnableLegacySupport to 1
- PortableDeviceNameSpaceExcludeFromShell to 0
- ShowInShell to 1
- Plug in your Zune, and make sure the Zune Software starts up.
- Hopefully at this point you can open up “My Computer” and browse your device, though it does NOT show up as a drive letter.
This hack seems to be working for quite a lot of people so please let us know in the comments section, if this works for you..
Via Zunerama
60 Comments, Comment or Ping
ACE
this hack showed up at zuneboards.com first BTW…
Nov 22nd, 2007
BrokenCrystal
Does this work with the first generation of Zune?
Nov 24th, 2007
jack
Tried this, I get a read-only error half the time when using my 30gb Zune. It does work, but I cannot create folders and as stated half the time it will not work.
On one of my successes I copied a high quality wmv to the zune to see how it would handle, after a warning it accepted it without manipulating the file. This would be good for file transfer as you can rename a .avi to .wmv and not have it attempted to be converted and transfer it to another person’s computer lossless.
Anyhow, thats my story.
Nov 29th, 2007
miop
enabled zune2 to appear under My Computer under XP Home
after opening you can view the files loaded on the the player but only have read-access. copying to the player fails because you need permission to write even if logged in as admin
Dec 2nd, 2007
MCHolden
Got the drive to show up (using Zune 30 with latest Zune 80 firmware on Windows XP SP2 machine) but can’t copy files to it. Brings up window saying “[filename] could not be placed on device. You do not have permission to create this item.” and the only options are “Skip”, “Skip All”, and “Cancel”. Bummer. Will try on another machine and report back if it works.
Note to others who are trying: I didn’t have a ControlSet002 folder in my registry. I had ControlSet001 and ControlSet003. I found entries for Zune under both. You’ll know you’ve found the Zune entry when you click on the ########_-_########_-_########_-_######## folder (and there was a ton of them to go through)… there is an entry called Location Information which will have the value “Zune”. I had three Zune entries under ControlSet001 and three more under ControlSet003. Make sure to make the appropriate changes for each one just to be sure.
Dec 7th, 2007
MCHolden
Ha! Checked over at zuneboards.com and found that you have to start a sync in the Zune software, and while it is syncing, close the software. I guess this leaves the Zune in a vulnerable state. I was able to create a new folder and copy a few PDF files to it successfully. Good luck!
Dec 7th, 2007
lifelonglego
I have succsesfully completed this hack. one thing I am wondering about is if I can see the files on other computers without running the hack on the other computers
Dec 8th, 2007
Leif902
No, you’ll need to do this on every computer you want to use your Zune as an external hard or flash drive on since it requires the registry of that particular machine be modified.
- Leif
Dec 11th, 2007
Lee
Worked perfectly on my new 80gb.
Dec 14th, 2007
mike
hey its not working i got windows vista and it wont show up but zune software still works
Dec 17th, 2007
PAT
Using a Zune 30 with the latest firmware on a Vista PC, this hack didn’t work for me initially. After changing the registry settings only for the first “find” of ControlSet002 nothing seemed to change.
Then I saw there was ControlSet001 and CurrentControlSet with similar entries and that there were other VID entries within ControlSet001 and ControlSet002 and CurrentControlSet.
What the heck, let’s change them all. After changing the 3 values above in all of the places where I found “PortableDeviceNameSpace” (probably 8-10 in all), the hack works just fine.
Looking at “Computer” I see my Hard Disk Drives, my Devices with Removable Storage (DVD RW Drive), and finally my Portable Devices. For some reason, my Zune (identified by its Zune name) is listed twice. They both seem to point to the same device and I was able to delete the one file that I was trying to delete for days.
Mission accomplished.
Dec 21st, 2007
Janek
Mine shows up perfectly when I attached my new 80GB, but when I try to copy I get the error msg “Access Denied”. What now?
Dec 27th, 2007
Don
Ok here is how to have full read/write access on your Zune giving you total control as you would any drive in Windows. As one of the posters already stated above, have the Zune software running, get a couple of files ready to sync. Start the sync process then immediately close the Zune software. You now have full control over your Zune. I just tested it out and am copying over files, renaming folders, do everything I wished this thing would do out of the box.
Dec 27th, 2007
HURRICANE
My Zune is a 1st Gen 30GB and As Don explained it worked for me on my Vista Ultimate PC and now i have full controll of copying any of my files over with ease. I dont have to convert any of my AVI files just copy them over and they play just fine. Thanks for the up….
Dec 29th, 2007
HURRICANE
MCHolden I found the work around to your problem.
This is what you have to do! Start your Zune Software and sync a decentky long file depending on how much you want to load to your Zune une Software open. What ever you do do not close it….
Now open your Zune however it is reconized on your System and now you can start to copy over files to your Zune with no problems and create new Folders….
It worked for me on my other 30GB 1st Gen Zune and should not have that “You do not have permission to create this item.” error..
Hope this helps you out!
Dec 29th, 2007
Aravindan
super….its workin perfectly…thanks a ton!!!!
Dec 31st, 2007
MCHolden
Hurricane, I appreciate your suggestion but I already found the solution (see my second post). Apparently Janek didn’t see it either. =)
But I did NOT know that you could copy an AVI file right over and it would play. Jack mentioned this above, but was renaming to WMV. I wonder if I can copy over my Xvid’s (in an mp4 container) without conversion… I’m guessing no but it’s worth a shot.
Thanks again for the followup. Happy New Year!
Dec 31st, 2007
SSpaZZ
This worked out really well. Pat nailed it. I had to change all of the Portable Device Name Spaces as well. I have a 1st Gen 30gb and that is exactly what you have to do. It will not work by only changing the first set of parameters.
Jan 3rd, 2008
Superfly
I’ve been trying to do this for a wile and it just doesn’t like me. And when I tryed it again I now have 6 ControlSets. I was wounder if there was a way to uninstall the zune software and take out all the regs without screwen something up.
Just you let you know Ive changed all control sets to whats listed above.
Jan 5th, 2008
Superfly
Ok I got it fixed, I used Registry Workshop and search for every PortableDeviceNameSpace and there were a few I missed. Thanks guys!
Jan 5th, 2008
falcon589
I have vista and i did exactly what PAT said and now i can access it in my computer. great work!
Jan 17th, 2008
kaaos
Tried it on Windows Vista Biz edition and it did not recognize the zune as a drive. wont shwow under MYCOMPUTER
=(
Jan 17th, 2008
kaaos
ok, i have a dual boot so i loaded zune software on XP pro and viola it worked
Jan 17th, 2008
Bluskov
I’m working with a Vista Ultimate computer and I had to change both control sets to get it to work, but I can’t do anything to any of the files because it says the access is restricted.
Jan 18th, 2008
Superfly
You have to sync your zune with some files, then close the zune program in the middle of the sync. Then it should work.
If you read what MCHolden said you would know this.
Jan 18th, 2008
Troy
Don’t use ControlSet002, ControlSet001, or any other ControlSet key with a number. It might work, it might not. Instead, do this under CurrentControlSet (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Enum\USB\ ). It will work more reliably that way.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/100010 explains the difference and why it’s best to use CurrentControlSet.
Jan 22nd, 2008
mados123
Pat - how did you remove the zune icon showing up twice under my computer? Thanks!
Jan 26th, 2008
Pat
I never figured why (or how to get rid of) my Zune showing up twice in My Computer - other than putting the registry settings back.
I’ve had to use RegEdit to change the settings a couple of times as things get out of whack on my Zune. I usually change the registry as mentioned above, delete the folders/files as needed, then change the settings back. It wouldn’t cleanly delete played podcasts when the Zune was set up as a flash drive and that’s something that drives me crazy. I subscribe to over 50 podcasts and a clean list is a must.
Jan 27th, 2008
Ryan
i cant seem to get it to work.
Jan 27th, 2008
Ryan
i did it finally. thanks for the idea!
Jan 27th, 2008
Ben
I’ve tried everything you guys have said, and it still won’t work. I can only move files that are already on the Zune between folders but cannot create new folders etc. I got the drive to show up, I’ve tried stopping the program in the middle of a sync, and it still won’t work. It says the device is either no longer connected or is not responding (the device itself works fine). It works fine in the zune software normally but is a pain to work with. Also, I tried changing the registry in both places (and changed it back each time, of course, so that the registry values were only changed in one place). I run Windows XP. Also, when I open up the drive (there are two, actually, like some other people have commented), there are three folders: (1) albums, (2) music and (3) pictures. Since albums and music overlap (i.e. all the music listed by artist is also found in the albums, just sorted by albums), doesn’t this mean I don’t really have access? I’m really confused. Thanks.
Jan 28th, 2008
Christie
Ben I am totally with you. I have the device showing up now in my computer but am still receiving the error that I don’t have permission to create the item. Ok, just to make sure I am understanding…you all are saying that you sync your device with the software. What do you mean sync it with a file? When I am in the software it just says sync your device, I click on it and it says 100% synced, but it is still to no avail I am still getting the error. Can someone please break it down a little further, I would be GREATLY APPRECIATIVE!!!
Jan 29th, 2008
Christie
OK…just got the whole syncing thing!! WHEW…..BUT still not in the clear…Now I can transfer them to the device on my computer but they are not showing up in the Zune when I unplug it. Am I just not getting this or what?? Please somebody help
Jan 29th, 2008
poophead44
with my zune i had to plug it in just to let u kno and then turn off the software and i did this one other time and had to do that to
Feb 11th, 2008
Sergio
Pat for the win!
Feb 23rd, 2008
Matt
Can’t rename folders in my new 80gb zune. Can’t do anything, but the zune does show up on my computer.
Mar 24th, 2008
LINCO
Had trouble at first finding the specific “Zune Folder” I don’t have a Control Set002, i have 001, 003, and current control set. 003 didn’t work, but 001 did. Thanks for the help. It works great now, for my zune2.
Apr 2nd, 2008
LINCO
Now, How do i copy these files from my zune to my computer?
Apr 2nd, 2008
LINCO
nevermind, figured it out.
Apr 2nd, 2008
rick
Can you do this if you dont have zune software? Does anyone know a link to download zune software. All the ones i have tried dont work. And all my friends cant seem to find theres. Please help thanks
Apr 26th, 2008
jman
This didnt work for me I have a 30gb zune and i cant find “PortableDevice Name” space……….help me
Apr 29th, 2008
Eric
i tryd but i dont get it when im in the regedit cant find some of the stuff displayed in confuzed
May 21st, 2008
Scott
What is the #??
What number in your zune?
May 29th, 2008
Balla
I downloaded the Zune HD Patch 4.0 And it saved me the hassle.
May 31st, 2008
Balla
You can Get the Zune Hard Drive Patch from http://www.cppworld.com/Zune/ZuneHDPatch.exe... just type that in your browser and save it and your Zune will show up in My Computer.
May 31st, 2008
Balla
Oh my bad press backspace on the URL after you follow the kink.
May 31st, 2008
Shane
if you do this hack, then shouldnt you be able to use this on a mac then, or does it not play the files you added? if it does you should be able to do it on a mac right???
Jun 7th, 2008
littleone22cx
why isn’t it working. i can view my zune as a hard drive or what ever but i can’t do anything with it. it wont let me do anything with it.
Jun 18th, 2008
PTI-designs
I tried this, I’m guessing M$ has changed something to stop this working.
I have the device showing in my drives list, enter it, find folder “video” get the file I want to copy on my ctrl c . go into my zune software, hit sync for a 1g vid. if I close the software and try to paste into the folder it tells me I don’t have permission. If I don’t close the software and try it says the device is busy…
any ideas?
I feel I’m either doing something wrong or ms has cottoned onto this and stopped it with some evil update…
Jun 22nd, 2008
PTI-designs
I should have mentioned i’ve got a 80G Zune 2.
Jun 22nd, 2008
Bryan
Haven’t tried it yet, but this is exactly what I was looking for when I stumbled over this site. I’ll let you know how it works for me…
Jun 24th, 2008
John G
I did it and it said I had no permision to copy the files. Then I did started to sync files and closed the software in mid sync and after than I was able to copy the files.
How can I copy files without having to leave the zune in sync mode?
Cause if I cant then it is’nt worth doing unless I install the software on every computer to leave the zune in sync mode
Is there a way to break the security of the zune permanently?
I have a 80 gb Zune.
Jun 24th, 2008
Oleg
>Hopefully at this point you can open up “My Computer” and browse >your device, though it does NOT show up as a drive letter.
so, how can I see it if it’s not in MyComputer?
I tried it a few times, but I can’t see it neither through explorer nor file manager(such as Total commander)
Aug 6th, 2008
Mike
waste of time
if i have to sync everytime then this hack is nothing. It is lame and a waste of time for something we shouldn’t even have to type about
Aug 17th, 2008
NELIO
Friend, is incredible, I have fond of my ZUNE now it was better still, the only thing we lack it, now I have
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Sep 15th, 2008
Judge
Hey man nice blog!! where did you get this information from?
Sep 19th, 2008
new firmware
with firmware 3.0 it doesn’t work anymore.
Sep 30th, 2008
NEW FIRMWARE!
New firmware has ruined this hack. I put heaps of files on back in may and now I cant get them off and its using up space. Bummer.
Nov 3rd, 2008
Macslayer@live.com
This is a response to PAT’s comment. I have Vista, too, and got it to work by doing the exact instructions. I guess it works differently for everybody. Unfortunately, it shows up as two Zunes, also. This isn’t a problem, though. No problems! And thanks!
Nov 9th, 2008
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